The Public Interest Fellowship

The Public Interest Fellowship’s (TPIF) flagship program is a two-year long fellowship, with tracks running in Washington, DC and New York, NY. These fellowships are comprised of highly qualified recent college graduates and young professionals.  In addition to their full-time employment with organizations committed to furthering American constitutional government, fellows participate in studies in the tradition of freedom and the contemporary challenges to liberal democracy in America delivered through twice-monthly evening seminars and academic retreats.  They also attend monthly dinners with prominent public figures and participate in professional development sessions; and take advantage of extensive networking opportunities.

Fellows gather regularly to study important texts and books to deepen their own knowledge of a society and political system committed to the twin goods of liberty and the public interest. Facilitated by leading scholars, fellows delve into foundational texts in the history of modern liberal democracy and American constitutionalism and read carefully influential contemporary writings. Fellows also take part in policy-focused lectures that delve into pressing national-security and domestic issues of the day.

Additionally, fellows participate in regular dinners with members of Congress, high-level government staffers, nonprofit executives, policy experts, public intellectuals, and other special guests.

Interested fellows are also able to take advantage of advancement opportunities such as speech and debate training, media training, and access to a variety of professional and policy conferences across the country.

This two-year program offers two options in both cities: full-time and stipend.

The full-time program offers paid, full-time employment to a highly select cohort of fellows who will typically complete two professional rotations, each lasting approximately nine to twelve months. The Public Interest Fellowship – in consultation with the fellows – carefully selects positions to advance the work of a host organization while providing fellows with professional experience and mentorship relevant to their career paths.

The stipend program offers an annual stipend to a select cohort of highly qualified professionals who already have full-time employment in Washington, DC or New York, NY.

Programming runs from September to June. Fellows are responsible for around 75 pages of reading per week. Programming consists of academic seminars, policy seminars, and regular dinners with public figures, which are held on weekday evenings. TPIF hosts up to three multi-day trips per academic year and offers numerous optional networking and professional development events per month; fellows are highly encouraged to attend.

IDEAL CANDIDATES

We invite applications from individuals with the following qualifications:

• Recent college graduates or young professionals with up to five years of relevant work experience.
• A passionate interest in one or more of the following areas: politics, rule of law and freedom of speech, education reform, domestic and economic policy, foreign policy and national security, the US/Israel relationship, and journalism.
• Excellent writing and communications skills.
• Demonstrable leadership potential.
• An ability to think creatively, work independently, and consistently maintain high levels of discretion and professionalism.

Apply for The Public Interest Fellowship

Applications for TPIF’s 2026 full-time fellowship cohort will close on January 2, 2026. You can indicate your interest in the DC and/or NYC cohort on the application. Applications for TPIF’s 2026 stipend fellowship cohort will open in May 2026.